New 4* Kingsclere hotel opens as part of £6m golf club development

The president of Sandford Springs Golf Club, former ITV World of Sport presenter Dickie Davies, along with owners Paul and Jennifer Gibbons, cut a ribbon to declare open the luxury hotel (pictured) which is set in the grounds of the golf club, off the A339 just outside the village.
The £6m development includes the 40-bedroom hotel, which has views over the golf course, and refurbishment of the clubhouse and another golf club building, the Clock House.
Guests at the cedar and brick-clad hotel can enjoy breakfast served in the hotel and evening meals served in the neighbouring clubhouse.
Prices start at £90 per night for the oak finished, en-suite rooms.
Designed by architects HFP, of Buckinghamshire, built by Leadbitter, of Andover, and finished by interior suppliers Concept, of Bath, and Bamptons, of Southampton, the hotel’s construction was supervised by Mr and Mrs Gibbons.
Mr Gibbons said afterwards that he and his wife were delighted with the hotel’s: “eco-friendly environment”.
He added: “The new hotel and refurbished clubhouse has enabled us to increase staff numbers, and we are pleased to announce that we are recruiting mainly from the local area, and this will be our practice and procedure to look locally to fill future staff vacancies.”
He thanked and congratulated staff for their efforts in ensuring that the hotel opened on time.
The general manager of the hotel and golf club, Jeff Condliffe, said the club had always been used as a venue for functions, including business meetings and corporate golf events, and was licensed to hold civil ceremonies and wedding receptions for up to 100 people and evening celebrations for up to 200 guests.
“The addition of the hotel at the club greatly enhances our offering in both the business and leisure markets.
“We’re already taking bookings for weekday corporate and business customers as well as weekend leisure breaks,” said Mr Condliffe.
The 500-member golf club, which raises thousands of pounds for charity each year through golf days and other events, was acquired by Mr Gibbons, the former owner of Auto Trader magazine, and his wife in 1989.